If you’re longing for classic comfort food with a cozy twist, the Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe is here to light up your dinner table! This magical pressure cooker meal combines melty, slow-cooked onions, succulent chuck roast, and a broth that tastes like your favorite French onion soup. Every forkful is rich, beefy, and deeply savory—exactly what you want in a hearty dinner. The real magic? It delivers all that deep flavor so much faster than the old oven method. Whether you’re making it for a laid-back Sunday or as a showstopping main for guests, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients—each one is handpicked to bring out the bold, layered flavors that make this dish unforgettable. Using pantry staples and a few fresh aromatics, you’ll transform an everyday roast into something truly special.

Chuck Roast (3–4 lb): Look for well-marbled beef for the juiciest, fork-tender results.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): This helps perfect the sear and adds a smooth, savory foundation.
Yellow Onions (2 large, thinly sliced): The star ingredient! They caramelize and infuse the roast with deep sweetness.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic depth and warm flavor to the braising liquid.
Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon): Gives a subtle tang and rich color to the sauce.
Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with classic herbaceous notes.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors into focus.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Just the right amount of mellow, peppery heat.
Balsamic Vinegar (1/4 cup): This is what creates that signature French onion zing and balances the richness!
Beef Broth (1 cup): Acts as the base for your gravy, soaking up every bit of flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings an umami kick and savory depth.
Cornstarch Slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water, optional): For thickening the sauce to your dream gravy consistency.
Chopped Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh finish right before serving.

How to Make Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chuck Roast

Start by firing up your Instant Pot and setting it to sauté mode. Pour in the olive oil and let it get nice and hot. Sear your chuck roast until each side is gorgeously browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Don’t rush this part—the crust you build is packed with flavor! Once it’s seared on all sides, remove the roast and set it aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Add the thinly sliced onions straight into the pot (no need to wipe it out—you want all those browned bits!). Sauté the onions for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring every couple minutes so they get deeply golden but not burnt. This slow caramelization is what gives the Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe its signature sweetness and irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Seasonings

Toss minced garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper into the pot with the onions. Stir everything together and let it cook for just one minute—this wakes up and blends the flavors without burning the garlic. The whole kitchen will smell incredible at this point!

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Pour in the balsamic vinegar, and use a wooden spoon to scrape up every flavorful browned bit stuck to the bottom. Next, add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine. This bubbling liquid will become the base of your luscious gravy.

Step 5: Pressure Cook the Pot Roast

Nestle your seared chuck roast back into the pot, making sure it’s cozy in those onions and sauce. Cancel the sauté mode, secure the Instant Pot lid, and set it to pressure cook (manual) on high for 60 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 15 to 20 minutes; this rest time lets the beef finish cooking gently, making it extra tender.

Step 6: Finish and Shred

Carefully open the lid and transfer the pot roast to a cutting board. If you like a thicker sauce, turn the pot back to sauté and whisk in the cornstarch slurry, simmering briefly until the gravy thickens. Shred the beef with two forks (it will fall apart easily!), and tumble it back into the pot with the onions and sauce. Stir to combine so every strand of beef gets blanketed in flavor.

How to Serve Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe

Garnishes

Before serving, a sprinkle of chopped parsley brings a fresh pop of green to your rich, caramelized roast. For an extra indulgent touch, shower the roast with shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese and let it melt over the hot, saucy beef. That nod to classic French onion soup is always a crowd-pleaser!

Side Dishes

This dish loves to be the star of the show, but it really shines when paired with something to soak up all that gravy. Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy egg noodles, or even a thick slice of crusty bread are unbeatable choices. The gravy soaks right into every bite, promising pure comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

The Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe is surprisingly versatile. Pile leftovers into a toasted baguette for out-of-this-world French onion pot roast sandwiches—or serve it over cheesy polenta for a delightful twist. For special occasions, serve mini-portions nestled in puff pastry shells for a stunning appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover pot roast and its luscious sauce to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days—the flavors only deepen and improve with time, making it wonderful for meal prep or easy lunches.

Freezing

Want to stash some away for a rainy day? Allow the pot roast to cool completely before sealing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months; just be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve its texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pot roast and gravy in a saucepan over medium heat until steamy and hot, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave single servings—cover loosely and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring between each, until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chuck roast delivers the most tender and flavorful result, cuts like brisket or bottom round can work in a pinch. Just remember that leaner cuts may not come out quite as shreddable or juicy.

How do I make this Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe gluten-free?

Simply ensure your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are both gluten-free (double-check labels), and you’re set. Everything else in this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat before serving?

Definitely! In fact, letting it rest overnight allows the flavors to meld even more. Reheat gently as described above for the best results, and don’t forget to spoon plenty of gravy over each slice!

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

If you like a heartier gravy, stir in the cornstarch slurry after pressure cooking, then simmer with sauté mode on until it thickens. If you prefer a thinner, more classic au jus style, you can skip this step.

Can I double the Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe in a 6-quart Instant Pot?

Doubling the recipe will depend on the size of your pot. With a 6-quart Instant Pot, two 3-pound roasts just fit, but be careful not to exceed the “max fill” line. Cooking time remains the same, but be aware it may take longer to come to pressure.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a weeknight hero or a crowd-pleasing special occasion dish, give the Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe a try. Each bite is incredibly comforting, packed with slow-cooked flavor in a fraction of the time. Gather your ingredients, fire up your pressure cooker, and let this classic-meets-modern meal wow your family and friends—you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including pressure build and release)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast recipe is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender chuck roast is cooked with caramelized onions, garlic, and a savory broth until it’s fall-apart tender. This flavorful dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chuck Roast:

3–4 lb chuck roast

Onion Mixture:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for thickening)
chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Sear the Chuck Roast: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and sear the chuck roast on all sides until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove the roast and set aside.
Caramelize Onions: Add the sliced onions to the pot and sauté for 8–10 minutes until caramelized. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 more minute.
Deglaze and Pressure Cook: Pour in balsamic vinegar, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Return the roast to the pot. Pressure cook on high for 60 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 15–20 minutes.
Thicken and Serve: Shred the roast, thicken the sauce if desired, then mix everything together. Garnish with parsley before serving.